Photo of Mélanie Lemay, Art Therapist in Montréal, QC
Mélanie Lemay
Art Therapist, MA, ATPQ
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montréal, QC H2S
Mélanie Lemay holds a master’s degree in art therapy from the Université du Québec en Abitibi- Témiscamingue, where her research focused on the intersection between trauma, resilience and the power of transformation through artistic expression. She is a certified art therapist with the Association des art-thérapeutes du Québec (AATQ), and actively participates in the advancement of the profession through her involvement on the Board of Directors. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness-based art therapy, trauma-informed practices and expressive arts-guided interventions.
Mélanie Lemay holds a master’s degree in art therapy from the Université du Québec en Abitibi- Témiscamingue, where her research focused on the intersection between trauma, resilience and the power of transformation through artistic expression. She is a certified art therapist with the Association des art-thérapeutes du Québec (AATQ), and actively participates in the advancement of the profession through her involvement on the Board of Directors. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness-based art therapy, trauma-informed practices and expressive arts-guided interventions.
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Anxiety Counsellors

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.